JACKSON – During a Jackson Northwest High School girls soccer game, there is plenty of room on the bench.

The Mounties boast a varsity roster of 16 players, leaving just five reserves. What the team lacks in numbers, however, coach Sam Sibilski said it makes up for with skill and stamina.

“We don’t have massive squad depth, but we have enough players to cover all the right positions,” Sibilski said. “The work ethic on the girls is second-to-none. (After receiving a red card Monday against Jackson) the girls had 10 players, but it was the work ethic and the attitude of the girls that carried us through.”

Before the Mounties could keep up with their deeper opponents for an 80-minute game, they first had to build up that work ethic and stamina.

A rigorous conditioning regimen at the season’s onset helped the Mounties prepare for the physical and mental challenge the year would bring. Sibilski, who works as a personal trainer, put the team through the ringer.

“At the beginning of the year he whipped our butts into shape,” senior Taylor Roberts said. “We had sweat pouring off of us. I run cross country, so for me to be tired, I’ve never been so tired.”

Added junior Holly Hendershot: “Taylor and I would look at each other and say, ‘When is this going to be over?’”

Spring’s slow arrival postponed the Mounties’ season-opener and kept them indoors for much of the early season. Sibilski called the long winter a blessing in disguise as it allowed his team more time to prepare.

“The girls had to wait until after spring break to play so we were still conditioning and in the weight room until then,” he said.

The opening days of conditioning paid off for the Mounties. Northwest got the season off on a fast start, winning its first four games, and was 11-6 before playing rival Jackson Lumen Christi in the CAAC Cup silver division.

While the Mounties lack a deep reserve of players to rotate in and out of the lineup through the course of a game, senior Emma Bearinger said playing with a smaller roster also has its benefits.

“I think it’s been really good for us,” she said. “It’s really challenged us mentally and physically. You don’t have a lot of subs so you know you have to keep going and it builds your character and you can push yourself.

“And it means more playing time for everyone,” Bearinger added. “And you push yourself so you can get that more playing time.”